Replace K&K with Trance Amulet phantom?

[hj38]

Originally Posted by mondoslug

So many different opinions.

Yes, but it seems like simply replacing the K&K with the Trance isn't one of the viable options. That's helpful to me, because I recently bought a Trance to install in my new 00-28 but then decided not to do so, so I will return the Trance.

What appeals to me about the VPDI or Tonedexter approach is that if I'm not happy initially I can return it, or if I'm not happy later I can sell it for not much of a loss.

I'm not in a rush here.

Thanks to all.

[stevecuss]

Originally Posted by mondoslug

So many different opinions.

Yes, its tricky isn't it?

I think your decision tree can help narrow it though. We know that K&K leaves a glue residue that affects Trance when Trance is using tape. So to simplify matters, you can:

- research the Ultratonic and see if it is a fit for you. It gets excellent reviews and turns the K&K into a much more hifi unit.

- Use an external IR generator like the ToneDexter or Baggs Voiceprint.

- Glue/Expoxy in the Trance as others have done.

You can sand away the glue residue, but it is a more involved solution for sure.

[hj38]

I think my choice will be either the Ultratronic or the Baggs

[hj38]

Does the Ultrasonic still require a preamp to run into a PA, or just a passive DI?

[fwphoto]

Originally Posted by hj38

Does the Ultrasonic still require a preamp to run into a PA, or just a passive DI?

The Ultra Tonic is a passive pickup so you'll probably want an active preamp or DI.

Frank

[hj38]

Originally Posted by fwphoto

The Ultra Tonic is a passive pickup so you'll probably want an active preamp or DI.

Frank

Got it and thanks -- then I'd still use my Sansamp Para Driver DI (with the "sansamp" blend turned all the way off)

[fwphoto]

Originally Posted by hj38

Got it and thanks -- then I'd still use my Sansamp Para Driver DI (with the "sansamp" blend turned all the way off)

Looks like that should work well. I go through a Polytune3 tuner/mute then a Fishman ToneDEQ with one out (XLR DI) to the house & the second (1/4") to an acoustic amp as my monitor. The Ultra Tonic is very even across the strings & can totally eliminate feedback even on a very loud stage. Sounds great!

Frank

[hj38]

Originally Posted by fwphoto

Looks like that should work well. I go through a Polytune3 tuner/mute then a Fishman ToneDEQ with one out (XLR DI) to the house & the second (1/4") to an acoustic amp as my monitor. The Ultra Tonic is very even across the strings & can totally eliminate feedback even on a very loud stage. Sounds great!

Frank

Thanks. I also run through a Polytune mini, and then a Stymon Compadre compressor and clean flat boost.

[mondoslug]

Originally Posted by hj38

Yes, but it seems like simply replacing the K&K with the Trance isn't one of the viable options. That's helpful to me, because I recently bought a Trance to install in my new 00-28 but then decided not to do so, so I will return the Trance.

What appeals to me about the VPDI or Tonedexter approach is that if I'm not happy initially I can return it, or if I'm not happy later I can sell it for not much of a loss.

I'm not in a rush here.

Thanks to all.

>>>ToneDexter or Baggs Voiceprint.<<<
IMHO I think that's a good plan. I had a K&K in my Collings OM2H, wanted to love it but I absolutely did not. I had a Grace Felix with it, still didn't love it. I bought a ToneDexter, that was kinda cool but it still wasn't what I was looking for. I pulled it and put an Anthem SL in, have not looked back. Super happy with the guitar acoustically first...and plugged in but many despise that pickup. I'd try the ToneDexter and Voiceprint, like you say, don't like it you can send it back. YMMV.

[hj38]

On the other hand, sometimes I like to just plug into my acoustic amp (Loudbox) without any pedals, which points me toward the Ultratronic.

Just ordered the conversion kit to upgrade my K&K.

Thanks to all for your very helpful posts.

[BillyH]

FYI, played the Trance for the first time yesterday. Could not be happier!

[hj38]

Originally Posted by BillyH

FYI, played the Trance for the first time yesterday. Could not be happier!

I've decided to have the Trance installed in my new 00-28, rather than returning it.